“But what if he’d had a gun? What if he’d shot you?”
“I ain’t getting shot. At least not by an asswipe bike thieforyour ex.” He caught her chin and turned her to face him. “But it wasn’t him.”
“How can you know for sure? It’s so dark.”
He paused. “I don’t, but if it was Gary, I figure he would’ve had something to say to me, since I’m banging his wife, don’t you?”
She was quiet, thinking of all the things Gary would say to her if ever he found out she wasbangingsomeone else.
“Tammy.” Jayden prised her arms from her legs. “If Gary dares to show his face around here, if he can even find out where you are, that is, he won’t be your problem. He’ll be mine, Hudson’s too, most likely. And he’ll be a problem dealt with before you can say Harley-fucking-Davison, okay?” He gently pulled her so she sat still curled up on his lap. Her face nestled against his neck.
She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. Let herbody rest on his and tried to release some of her tension into his strong arms.
“I’ve dealt with badass drug dealers, murderous fucking Mexicans, and gung-ho drunk bikers who just want to see blood spilled,” he said. “You think a cowardly wife-beater is gonna get anything over me? No. He won’t.” He kissed the top of her head. “You’re safe now, no matter what. You and Zak are safe. Believe that.”
She blew out a breath, seeming to deflate with it. But it was a good thing, because the fear, the fright of being woken so suddenly went with her exhale.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“For what?” He ran his hand down her bare shins and held her feet.
“For understanding. I know I’m…”
“What?”
“Needy. Broken. Insecure.”
“Stop it.” His voice was stern. “You’re the nearest to goddamn perfect woman I’ve ever met. So don’t say that shit about yourself.”
She looked up at him.
“I mean it. He didn’t break you, he made you stronger. And as for being needy, you’re the definition of independent and brave. Look at what you had to escape from, how far you’ve come. There are lots of people in the world who could learn a thing or two from you, Tammy.”
“It’s nice of you to say that and—”
He set his lips over hers, as if to prevent any more of her protests.
A few minutes later, he carried her back to bed. After he’d checked on Zak, he wrapped her in his arms. “Go to sleep,” he murmured.
“If Gary dares to show his face around here, he won’t beyour problem.”
Remembering his words, she let out a sigh and let sleep return.
****
“Mommy. Can I have some milk?”
Tammy stirred. She hadn’t dreamed—her sleep had been deep and dark.
“Mommy. Doesn’t Jayden like sleeping on the porch and the sofa anymore?”
Acutely aware that she was snuggled up against a broad, warm chest and had a thick, vise-like arm wrapped around her, she woke to the room. Blinking open her eyes, she saw Zak standing at the end of the bed, holding Bilbo.
“Hey,” she said.
“Jayden is snoring.” Zak nodded at him.
Sure enough, flat on his back, mouth half open, he was breathing loud.